OKLAHOMA ST: It never felt like Oklahoma State quite reached its ceiling during the Mason Rudolph/James Washington era, which is unfortunate given that the team seems likely to take a step back without them. But Mike Gundy has achieved commendable consistency in Stillwater, and there's plenty of talent still in town. Running back Justice Hill now becomes the focal point of the offense, and he's capable of ripping off big runs even when getting a high volume of carries. For the defense, a still-young secondary needs to step up. An experienced front seven should make it easier on that unit to do so.

KANSAS ST: If inking your 78-year-old coach to a five-year contract extension isn't a vote of confidence, I don't know what is. The legendary Bill Snyder has earned it, of course, overachieving with this Wildcats roster seemingly every season. This year's team isn't bleeding with top recruits, either, but there's enough for Snyder to work with. Alex Delton and Skylar Thompson'both captains'figure to share quarterbacking duties, with Delton considered the better runner and Thompson the better thrower. The defense won't scare anyone, but should be at least adequate to keep the team in games.